Reasons, Procedure & Preparation Required For an Abdominal X-Ray

What is an Abdominal X-Ray?

It is an image of the organs and structures in the abdomen, which includes the diaphragm, small and large intestines, spleen, liver, and stomach. If the X-ray test is being done to find out problems in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, then the test is known as KUB abdominal X-ray. X-rays are radio waves or a form of radiation that can pass through the human body.

An abdominal X-ray like abdominal X-ray constipation or abdominal X-ray bowel obstruction is done to find out the cause of vomiting, nausea, swelling or belly pain.

Reason Why It is Conducted

This kind of X-ray is generally done to -

Find out why a patient is vomiting, has nausea, inflammation or pain due to some problem in the stomach.

Look for the reason behind pain in the lower back or the spine.

Look for stones in the bladder, ureters, kidneys, and gallbladder.

Look for an object that may have been placed inside the body cavity or has been swallowed.

To confirm if the doctor has placed the tubes for some treatment correctly.

Preparation

You must discuss certain points with your doctor before you have an X-ray. You must tell your physician if -

You are pregnant. This sort of X-ray is generally not done for pregnant women because the baby might get exposed to radiation.

Have had medicines in the recent past that contained bismuth.

Have had an X-ray that used barium contrast material.

You will be asked to take off your jewelry and empty your bladder before the X-ray is done. You can ask your doctor questions about the procedure or address any of your concerns.

Procedure

Abdominal series X-ray is generally done by a radiology technologist, and the images are read and interpreted by a radiologist.

You might be asked to change into a hospital gown for the test.

Once you are lying on your back on the table, a lead apron will cover your lower pelvic area. This is a protecting cover so that the rays do not harm the internal organs in the pelvis.

Then the X-ray machine is positioned and placed over the abdomen and you will need to hold your breath while the pictures are taken.